Hossam Hassan faces FIFA disciplinary probe after Egypts defeat by Argentina

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan is under formal investigation by FIFAs disciplinary committee over alleged misconduct during and after his teams elimination by Argentina, raising the prospect of a multimatch ban and heavy fine for the national icon.

The Egyptian Football Association has yet to comment publicly, but several reports say FIFA has opened a case file following the illtempered encounter, in which Argentina knocked Egypt out of the competition.

Allegations of insults and controversial gesture

According to multiple media outlets, Hassan is accused of directing insults at match officials and making a controversial arm gesture by crossing his hands. He is also alleged to have failed to control members of his backroom staff within the technical area.

The reported incidents are said to have taken place both during the match and in its immediate aftermath, as emotions ran high following Egypts defeat.

If substantiated, these accusations would place the 58yearold coach in clear breach of several provisions of FIFAs Disciplinary Code, which covers offensive behaviour toward officials, inappropriate conduct and failure to respect the regulations governing the technical area.

Possible sanctions under FIFA rules

FIFAs Disciplinary Code allows for a range of punishments for misconduct towards referees and other match officials, including:

– Suspension from several matches – Financial penalties – Additional disciplinary measures, such as bans from the touchline or restrictions on access to technical areas

The codes sections on misconduct against match officials and responsibility of teams and their officials give disciplinary bodies broad powers to sanction coaches and staff for abusive language, provocative gestures and loss of technicalarea control.

Any sanction would depend on the evidence gathered, including the match officials reports, video footage and any submissions from the parties involved.

Potential impact on Egypts preparations

While FIFA has not yet announced a verdict or timetable for its decision, the prospect of disciplinary action looms over Egypts upcoming fixtures.

Hassan, a former star striker and one of Egypts most celebrated internationals, only relatively recently took charge of the national side, and any suspension from the touchline could disrupt plans for future competitive matches and training camps.

Being barred from the bench would not prevent him from working with the squad outside match time, but it would limit his direct influence during games, including tactical adjustments and inmatch communication with players and staff.

For now, Hassan remains in post, but his immediate future on the touchline hinges on the outcome of FIFAs inquiry. A severe punishment could intensify scrutiny of discipline and behaviour within the Egyptian technical area at a time when the team is seeking stability after a painful exit at the hands of Argentina.